In November 2015, I traveled through North- and South-Kivu, DR Congo. I photographed and interviewed staff members and beneficiaries involved in some of the projects of Oxfam Novib and its local partners. The result of this work is published in a booklet that aims to show the impact, challenges and lessons learned of Oxfam Novib. Taking as point of view the lives of communities and more particularly the households in North- and South-Kivu in DRC.

Eastern Congo is known as the Rape Capital of the World. A country where sexual violence is at the order of the day and among the most heinous in the world. Warring parties, including the Congolese army, use it as a weapon of war. It is strategically used to shame, demoralize and humiliate the enemy. By doing so armed groups assert power and domination over not only the women, but their men as well. And because it often goes unpunished, there is a rise in citizens committing rape.

"I was a violent man. I hit my wife when she did not obey me fast enough. I never helped her with the housework because I always considered that a woman’s job. In our culture we see a woman as an object, a tool we can use. But I am a changed man now. The We Can campaign made me realize I was wrong,” says Papa Longa.

To provide assistance where needed, Oxfam closely works together with local partner organizations. These organizations know the local culture and context like none other and have access to remote areas. They are there to stay. Many of these organisations implement programs addressing poverty via microfinance support and agricultural professionalization support. Programs that improve both the standard of living and economic self-sufficiency, as well as offering a pathway to education, health care and equality between men and women. But in the face of recurrent crises they also reach out to communities to deliver humanitarian assistance.